Athens Police Hit With Molotov Cocktails During General Strike Protests Over Pension Reform

Petrol bombs were hurled at riot police during the latest round of anti-government protests in Athens on Thursday. Troubled erupted as the country suffered another general strike in protest at an overhaul of the pension system, part of the third bailout package from Brussels.

Athens police reported sporadic clashes between anarchist protesters outside parliament as more than 50,000 Greeks marched through the capital. According to AP, demonstrations were also held in other towns and cities across Greece, with unions decrying the left wing Syriza government’s pension reforms, which include increasing social security contributions.

Critics argue the move could raise citizens’ contributions to around three-quarters of their total income, sparking protests from tens of thousands of working class Greeks. "They are raiding our souls not just our pockets," 70-year-old George Stathopoulos told Reuters. "They betrayed us." Pensioner Nikos Ghinis added: "They should be strung up here, in Syntagma Square," referring to the government.

Thursday's action is the second general strike since Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras took power in January 2015.

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A firebomb explodes beside a riot police member during a massive protest on February 4, 2016.

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Riot police member run after protesters throwing stones and petrol bombs in central Athens during a massive protest on February 4, 2016.

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Riot policemen try to avoid a petrol bomb thrown by protesters during a 24-hour nationwide general strike in Athens, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016.

Thanassis Stavrakis/AP

Riot policemen try to avoid a petrol bomb thrown by protesters during a 24-hour nationwide general strike in Athens, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016.

Thanassis Stavrakis/AP

Riot policemen try to avoid a petrol bomb thrown by protesters during a 24-hour nationwide general strike in Athens, Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016.

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Demonstrators and medias run from tear gas during a massive protest in front of the Greek parliament in Athens on February 4, 2016.

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A firebomb explodes beside a riot police member during a massive protest on February 4, 2016.

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Demonstrators clash with Greek riot police in Athens, on February 4, 2016.

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Demonstrators clash with riot police in Athens. on February 4, 2016.

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A lawyer shouts a slogan during a 24-hour general strike in Athens on February 4, 2016.

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A riot police member walks through fire during a massive protest beside the Greek parliament during a massive protest on February 4, 2016.

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Demonstrators march towards the Greek parliament during a massive protest on February 4, 2016.

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A man sits outside a store as demonstrators clash with riot police in Athens, on February 4, 2016.

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Protesters gather in front of the Greek parliament in Athens during a massive protest rally on February 4, 2016.

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Demonstrators shout slogans beside the Greek parliament in Athens during a massive protest on February 4, 2016.

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Protesters clash with riot policemen during a 24-hour nationwide general strike on February 4, 2016 in Athens, Greece.

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Protesters clash with riot policemen during a 24-hour nationwide general strike on February 4, 2016 in Athens, Greece.

Milos Bicanski via Getty Images

Protesters clash with riot policemen during a 24-hour nationwide general strike on February 4, 2016 in Athens, Greece.

Milos Bicanski via Getty Images

Protesters and medias protect themselves from tear gas during a massive protest in front of the Greek parliament in Athens on February 4, 2016.

Milos Bicanski via Getty Images

Protesters clash with riot policemen during a 24-hour nationwide general strike on February 4, 2016 in Athens, Greece.

Milos Bicanski via Getty Images

Riot policemen use tear gas during a 24-hour nationwide general strike on February 4, 2016 in Athens, Greece.

Milos Bicanski via Getty Images

Riot police protect themselves from tear gas during a massive protest in front of the Greek parliament in Athens on February 4, 2016.

Milos Bicanski via Getty Images

Protesters throw stones at riot police during a 24-hour nationwide general strike on February 4, 2016 in Athens, Greece.